A heartfelt journey of accessible healthcare, one branch and one community at a time
Eighty-eight years ago, in the heart of Naga City, a humble herbal pharmacy opened its doors—not with grand ambitions, but with a quiet mission: to make healthcare more accessible to the Filipino community.
That small-town spirit continues to guide Southstar Drug as it opens its 700th branch, now located inside UP Diliman, one of the country’s most esteemed academic institutions. This milestone isn’t just about the number—it’s a reaffirmation of Southstar Drug’s enduring promise: to be present where it matters, when it matters, for every Filipino.
“We’ve grown branch by branch, community by community,” shared Thaddeus Sanchez, General Manager of Southstar Drug. “Each store tells a story, and every expansion reflects a promise—to bring accessible healthcare with genuine care.”
A Legacy of Service Since 1937
Established in 1937, Southstar Drug is not only one of the country’s earliest drugstore chains—it’s a pioneer with a purpose. Now part of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., the brand is poised to celebrate 88 years of service in 2025, bringing nearly nine decades of experience, consistency, and compassion to every corner of the Philippines.
From Bicol Roots to a Nationwide Reach
What began in Bicol has blossomed into a regional stronghold, particularly in South and Central Luzon, with thriving communities in Pampanga, Metro Manila, and beyond. Innovative offerings such as drive-thru pharmacies in Muntinlupa, Marikina, and Pampanga respond to the evolving needs of urban dwellers while preserving the warmth of a neighborhood pharmacy.
Southstar Drug’s expansion reflects a consistent mission: bring healthcare closer to Filipino homes. In recent years, it has opened branches in underserved areas like Masinloc, Zambales (2022), Lagonoy, Camarines Sur (2024), and Cauayan, Masbate (2024). Now, with the addition of UP Diliman, it further deepens its presence in Metro Manila while maintaining its values.
Even in remote communities, Southstar’s presence creates tangible impact. “In Lagonoy, people used to travel nearly two hours just to get basic medicine,” said one team member. “Now, our pharmacy is part of their daily walk home. That’s the kind of difference we want to make.”
Beyond Branches: A Culture of Purpose
The UP Diliman store represents more than geographic growth—it embodies purposeful integration into a vibrant academic environment. Southstar Drug supports UP’s University Health Services through annual donations and currently sponsors the UP Track and Field Team, showing that presence can be meaningful without being flashy.
Its e-commerce platform—one of the most expansive in the country—further ensures that essential medicines and health products are just a few clicks away, even for customers outside major commercial centers.
Looking Ahead: 800 Stores and Beyond
Southstar Drug is on track to reach 800 branches by 2026, continuing its steady and community-led expansion into more parts of Metro Manila and the provinces. Whether beside a Shopwise, near a Robinsons store, or tucked into a quiet barangay, each new location brings more than just medicine—it brings familiarity, comfort, and care.
At its heart, Southstar Drug’s journey remains grounded in the same principle it started with in 1937:
Healthcare should never be a privilege—it should be a promise. One fulfilled quietly, faithfully, and one Filipino at a time.
